On the Industry
Thom Bierdz Honored For Literary Work
By Tommy Garrett
Nov 1, 2009 - 7:22:04 PM

BEVERLY HILLS —Thom Bierdz, the handsome actor who stars as Phillip Chancellor, III on CBS’s “The Young and the Restless” has just received another honor regarding his acclaimed autobiography, “Forgiving Troy: A True Story of Murder, Mental Illness and Recovery,” of which TV Guide’s Michael Logan said, “Thom Bierdz of ‘The Young and the Restless’ has written a terrific, gut-punching memoir that chronicles his triumph over an unspeakable family tragedy… Chilling, hopeful, spiritual—you’ll never read anything like it.”

The National “Best Books 2009” awards named Bierdz’s tome-Winner in the “Autobiography/Memoirs” division. This award is given out annually by the Best U.S.A. Book News organization. Thom came to Canyon News exclusively to discuss this great honor. “This was a huge surprise. The autobiography category is the biggest category with the most entries. I had no idea I would have a chance to win it. It is very exciting and a great honor,” said Bierdz, adding “It was very important to share my past so others can benefit.” Thom’s past is chronicled in his award winning book, which discusses in detail his life after leaving “Y&R” originally and how the death of his mother at the hands of his paranoid schizophrenic brother, Troy, sent him into an emotional soul searching and ultimately led him to forgive his brother for murdering their mother. Thom also discusses how the death by suicide of another sibling affected him and his family.

Having returned to “Y&R,” Thom is very grateful for the opportunity. “I owe Josh O'Connell and Maria Bell so much. They offered me an opportunity to go back to a show that I feel like is my home. They have broadened my character and he has become a gay man, just as I am. Daytime sure has changed. Maria [Bell] is a maverick, a genius and everyone credits her with saving our show. I can add this new honor to a number of honors I’ve been lucky enough to receive recently. To have one’s writing work given such exposure and honor is a dream come true. I put this win up there along with my being asked to return to ‘Y&R.'”

Thom Bierdz Courtesy: Anthony Duran Photography

Thom’s autobiography has touched the lives of many. Lisa Rodgers in Melbourne, AU says, “I just love Thom’s book. He is so honest and being a nurse, I have seen the effects mental illness can have on the individual and the family. He’s explained it so well and when I picked this book up in San Francisco on a recent trip to the U.S. to visit my sister, I haven’t been able to put it down.” Bierdz hoped that his book and his story would touch the lives of others, make them think and also inspire them. “I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams, Tommy. I am also grateful to all of the people who helped make all of this possible,” concluded Thom Bierdz.

“Forgiving Troy” is available at ForgivingTroy.com. 

For a full list of winners, go to usabooknews.com/2009bestbooksawards.html